Time to start visiting your country farm stands....Summer brings out the best in what the farmers market and orchards have to offer......living in the country has its advantages when it comes to fresh - everything!
The blueberries and strawberries are best in mid-summer. When it comes to Apples and vegetables we have two local farms that we visit weekly. We also have several Farmers Markets in our area....but did you know.....not everything is as it seems. Farm stands are big business now a days. especially within city limits. When you shop at a farm stand remember that New England … [Read more...]

finally got my herbs planted on Sunday.....this year instead of planting in the beds along the back of the house, or putting them directly in pots that sat on the deck, I decided to bring my wagon up onto the deck and put it to work! My husband made this wagon for me several years ago, and I love it! this year it will hold the pots of herbs that I use everyday in my cooking. Basil, Oregano, Parsley...I couldn't find French Tarragon or Rosemary so I'm not completely done with my Potted Herb Wagon.....I planted several varieties of tomatoes including San Marzano, I am also going to plant … [Read more...]

Memorial Day Ideas... could the holiday almost be here?....I need to get busy...... I've been so involved with my little Yorkie "Elvis" and trying to get him over his allergies that it has literally taken up my days! He started two weeks ago, after his third visit to vet we finally got him started on prednisone and hopefully this will do the trick. So my poor little baby has been under the weather and wanting to be held all day.....Now that Daddy's home, I can get some Mommy time! But first I have to let go of him...
And now to start thinking of how to entertain on the first "Official" … [Read more...]

Tomorrow is the 141st. "Run for the Roses", or as most know it as the Kentucky Derby...."the most exciting two minutes in sports".... the Kentucky Derby is a 1.25 mile race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and is followed by the Preakness Stakes, then the Belmont Stakes. Unlike the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, which took hiatuses in 1891-1893 and 1911-1912, respectively, the Kentucky Derby has been run every consecutive year since 1875. A horse must win all three races to win the Triple Crown. The Derby is the crowning event after a … [Read more...]

Now that Spring has arrived and is not leaving the mountain, I'm gearing up for my deck gardening to start. I will be planting some Perennials in the beds around the house but my deck will hold some of my favorite flowers and of course my herbs. I'm lucky that my deck is right off my breakfast room so its far more convenient to grab some Rosemary or Basil just steps from the stove rather than going down the steps into a garden. Besides the wildlife would be enjoying the fruits of my labor too easily!
The Daffodils are finally in bloom and I'm waiting for the Tulips to bloom....
Last … [Read more...]

I know most people think of Autumn when they hear Soup......but not me - I am a soup-crazed lady! It doesn't matter what month it is, there is always room for soup!
And one of my favorite soups is from Chef and Entertaining Stylist John Hadamuscin....he is a down home family style chef......I have all his cookbooks. He was raised in the Midwest, and his cookbooks are not only filled with delicious recipes but a story accompanies each one....about his mom's kitchen, life on the farm and his life in New York City!
Today I'm making his version of "Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup".....one of my … [Read more...]

Hi everyone! Just to let you know PineRidge is now on Hometalk! come on over and visit my board Heartfelt Homemade Gifts.........So much going on, all your DIY questions about Home & Garden and lots of idea's over on Hometalk..... You can also share your own projects as well as ask questions to the HomeTalk community!
… [Read more...]

Hello everyone! Did you have a great weekend? Here in Northern Pennsylvania the weather was beautiful! And today is 70 degrees. My kind of weather.....Everyone is outside, wheel-barrows are filled with dirt, mulch and new plants for the garden. Neighbors are waving to each other and gossiping over rakes and hoes. I always wonder why it takes my husband so long to mow the front of the house in early Spring, then I realized he stops to talk to everyone who passes by either by pickup, car or horse! We were busy starting to get ready for Spring to really hit us! We started taking inventory of … [Read more...]

Its a rainy day here on the mountain, there's a layer of fog that's slowly making its way up the ridge. It looks eerie and calming all at the same time.....All my running around was done yesterday so today I'm going to hang out with my oven and the rest of the gang in the kitchen....yes I know, Spring can't come quick enough when one starts naming the pots & pans!
Well, as you all know, my daughter Tammy is hosting Easter Sunday Dinner...Bless her heart....but I am going to give her a helping hand.
I've been visiting all over the net looking for a few recipes to get us away from the … [Read more...]

So with spring comes the yearning to throw oneself into a pile of mulch...well, maybe not everyone but you get the idea! I can't wait to walk into the woods without boots, a coat and gloves! While, anticipating warm breezes and my tulips and daffodils, I started hunting for some Spring crafts and Easter idea's to get a jump on....
Along the way I found some of the best tips for a second pair of "Helping Hands" and some great idea's that I had to share with all of you.....
Sharpen your scissors by cutting sand paper.
Place a little bit of Vaseline to the end of your glue gun to get … [Read more...]

Get Updates In Your Inbox!

Enter your email address...

Hi! I’m Lois

I’m an avid cook, hallmark channel groupie, the ultimate Tree Hugger, animal lover and have an uncanny affection for farms! I admit to loving a good romance novel and my three dogs are not only allowed on the couch, but sleep with us in the four-poster bed as well! Read More…